Keith Mack
Law school is notoriously expensive, with students graduating with an average debt of $151,072 in the US. As a result, many law students seek out opportunities to make money during their studies. These opportunities can be found both on and off-campus, and some students may even choose to take a break from their studies to pursue other avenues. While some students may rely on savings, take out loans, or work part-time, others may seek out paid opportunities within the legal field, such as research or teaching assistant positions, or outside of it, such as tutoring or content creation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Take out loans | $20,000 or more |
| Work part-time | Law library, research service and bar preparation companies |
| Freelance | Legal research, writing, or editing for law firms, individual clients, or online legal platforms |
| Summer jobs | Paid for 2Ls |
| Tutor | Law students or those preparing for the bar exam |
| Teaching assistant | Assist others new to the subject |
| Research assistant | Help professors with legal scholarship |
| Work in a law firm, government agency or non-profit organisation | Legal research, case preparation, and other tasks |
| Start a business or become a venture capitalist | N/A |
| Work as a virtual paralegal assistant | Transcribe legal recordings |
| Work in a school | Tutor, learning consultant or community advisor |
| Work in a shop | N/A |
| Get a scholarship | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Freelancing for law firms, lawyers, or clients
Freelancing is a great way for law students to make money and gain experience in the legal field. The gig economy has transformed the way legal services are delivered, offering a host of opportunities beyond traditional law firm employment.
Online Platforms
Online freelance platforms have revolutionized the way freelancers connect with clients. These virtual marketplaces allow law students to find freelance work in various legal areas. Popular platforms include Upwork, where legal professionals can offer services such as legal research, contract drafting, and document review. Legal.io is another specialized platform that connects lawyers and law students with law firms seeking freelance assistance.
Remote Internships and Externships
Law students can explore remote internships or externships offered by law firms, legal departments, and legal organizations. These virtual experiences provide practical exposure to real legal cases, client interaction, and collaboration with experienced attorneys, all while maintaining schedule flexibility.
Legal Transcription and Translation Services
Freelancing in legal transcription and translation services allows law students to leverage their language skills effectively. Bilingual law students can transcribe and translate legal documents for law firms, courts, and legal organizations.
Legal Content Writing
Law students with strong writing skills can freelance as legal bloggers or content writers for law-related websites and publications. This allows freelancers to showcase their expertise, build their professional brand, and establish an online presence.
Legal Research and Writing Services
Law students with strong research and writing skills can offer freelance services to law firms, attorneys, and publishers. Many firms outsource legal research and writing tasks, making this a valuable niche for aspiring freelancers.
While freelancing offers flexibility, variety, and control over your schedule, it's important to consider the financial implications. Freelancers may experience inconsistent income, especially in the beginning, and may need to obtain benefits like health insurance and retirement plans from other sources.
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Working for research service and bar preparation companies
Working as a research assistant or associate at a research service or bar preparation company is an excellent way for law students to make money and gain valuable experience in their field. Research assistant positions are often part-time and offer flexible work schedules, making them ideal for students. These positions are available at various organizations, including the Federal Judicial Center, law firms, universities, and companies like Google and Wikimedia Foundation.
The Federal Judicial Center, established in 1967, is the federal courts' agency for research and continuing education. They recruit law student research assistants for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. These assistants provide support to Research Division project teams, conducting social science and legal research to discover innovative approaches to the judicial system. The Center offers remote work opportunities and flexible hours, making it a convenient option for law students.
Other organizations, such as universities and private companies, also offer research positions for law students. For example, New York University seeks law students with superior legal research and writing skills to conduct research and provide legal advice and guidance to the university's schools, departments, and administrators. Similarly, Google and Wikimedia Foundation have student researcher positions that involve working collaboratively on innovative research projects.
In addition to research roles, law students can explore opportunities at bar preparation companies. These companies provide resources and services to help law students prepare for their bar exams. Law students can work for these companies in various capacities, such as contributing to the development of study materials or providing support to students undertaking bar preparation courses.
Overall, working for research service and bar preparation companies offers law students a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, develop their research and analytical skills, and earn an income while pursuing their legal education. These positions can provide a strong foundation for their future legal careers, whether they plan to practice law or explore alternative career paths with their law degrees.
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Working as a teaching assistant or research assistant
Teaching assistant positions are often available within the law school itself or in other departments. For example, NYU Law School regularly advertises teaching assistant roles for its Graduate Lawyering Program, with professors seeking TAs for specific courses, such as criminal law or the use of AI tools in corporate and deal law practice. These positions are typically part-time and can provide a substantial income for law students.
Research assistant positions are also widely available for law students. Law professors often require research assistance for their projects and are willing to provide monetary compensation or academic credit. These roles allow students to improve their legal research skills and gain insight into the work of legal scholars. It is important to note that the decision between academic credit or monetary compensation must usually be made before the assignment commences and cannot be changed afterward.
In addition to universities, law firms, and government agencies may also hire law students as research assistants. These positions provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in a legal setting and observe lawyers at work. Summer break is an ideal time to pursue these opportunities, as 1L summer positions tend to be unpaid, allowing students to gain experience while earning an income.
Law students can also find research assistant positions with research service and bar preparation companies. These companies often hire student representatives to promote their services and products to other students, improving their legal research skills while earning an income. Overall, working as a teaching assistant or research assistant offers law students a valuable source of income, along with the chance to develop professional skills and gain experience in the legal field.
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Working for law firms, government agencies, or non-profits
Law Firms
Law firms often hire law students for part-time internships or summer associate positions. These roles can provide a monthly stipend and valuable experience in legal research, drafting, and assisting lawyers. Many firms post job opportunities on school job boards, so it is worth checking these regularly. Networking with advocates and lawyers can also help secure these positions. Students can also apply for scholarships offered by law firms, which can provide a good financial boost.
Government Agencies
Government agencies are another excellent source of employment for law students. These agencies often hire students to conduct research, assist in litigation preparation, or perform other legal tasks. Summer jobs with government agencies may be lower-paying than those in the private sector, but they offer valuable practical experience and insights into how the law is practised.
Non-Profits
Non-profit organisations, including research services and bar preparation companies, also hire law students. These roles can involve marketing and promoting their services to other students, which helps improve your legal research skills. Non-profit work can be a great way to gain experience and build your CV, and some organisations may offer stipends or other funding.
Other Opportunities
In addition to the above, law students can also consider the following to make money while working for law firms, government agencies, or non-profits:
- Teaching assistant or research assistant positions at their school.
- Freelance work through platforms like Lawyer Exchange, which connects lawyers with short-term projects.
- Part-time jobs in retail, food service, or office/hotel front desks, which can provide downtime to study.
- Non-legal jobs like tutoring, coaching, or babysitting, which can offer flexibility and good pay.
Finding a balance between work and studies is crucial, and part-time or non-committal work can ensure law students can focus on their education while earning an income.
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Tutoring online or in-person
Law school is notoriously expensive, with many students graduating with debt. However, there are several ways for law students to make money and gain practical experience while studying. One option is to tutor online or in-person.
Tutoring is a great way for law students to earn money and reinforce their knowledge of the subject. Law students can tutor their peers in subjects like Contracts, Torts, and Criminal Law, or help prepare students for the LSAT or bar exam. Tutoring offers a flexible schedule, allowing students to prioritize their studies while still earning an income.
To find tutoring opportunities, law students can use online platforms like Chegg Tutors, Skooli, Wyzant, and Superprof India, which connect tutors with students seeking guidance. Additionally, law schools often hire tutors for 1L students, so it's worth inquiring about these positions on campus.
Law students can also offer their services as academic mentors to students at different stages of their legal education. This may involve providing support with complex concepts, exam preparation, and legal writing review. Participating in online communities and forums for law students is a great way to connect with potential mentees and offer peer-to-peer mentoring.
For those interested in virtual work, there are opportunities to assist law firms, lawyers, and legal organizations with legal research, document drafting, and administrative tasks. These positions can be found through job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and specialized legal job boards.
By offering tutoring and academic support services, law students can not only earn a reasonable income but also enhance their communication, teaching, and legal knowledge application skills, making it a valuable option for those seeking to make money while in law school.
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Frequently asked questions
Summer break is a prime time for law students to earn money while gaining practical experience. Law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations often hire law students for summer jobs. While 1L summer opportunities are often unpaid, many offer stipends or funding. Summer jobs for 2Ls are usually paid.
On-campus job opportunities for law students include working as a research assistant or teaching assistant for law professors. Law schools also hire tutors for 1L students, learning consultants for undergraduates, and community advisors for on-campus housing residents.
Law students can find online tutoring opportunities on platforms like Chegg Tutors, Skooli, Wyzant, and Superprof India. They can also create content for blogs, websites of law firms, or social media. Additionally, they can work remotely as virtual legal support for law firms or legal organizations.
Law students can offer freelance services in various legal fields, such as legal research, writing, or editing for law firms, individual clients, or online legal platforms. Freelancing provides flexibility and the opportunity to gain practical experience.
Law students can boost their chances of winning scholarship money by performing well on the LSAT, maintaining a strong undergraduate GPA, and submitting impressive resumes and personal statements. Some law schools also offer venture funds or summer fellowships to support students with business ideas.
